IPL Facial Vein Treatment in the Minneapolis, MN Area

Spider Veins are a common occurrence on the face. These star-shaped veins with numerous radiating lines are a cosmetic concern for millions of women and men.

Spider veins are most commonly found around the nose but may occur around the cheeks and lower face area. Most diffused redness, rosacea and telangiectasias fall in the same category and respond to the same treatments.

Unlike spider veins of the legs, facial veins are linked to excessive sun exposure. Age is another factor; older individuals often appear to have some degree of spider veins.

What is the best way to treat facial spider veins, diffused redness and telangiectasis?

Spider veins and other similar vascular lesions of the face can be eliminated from the face using lasers or intense pulsed light. The heat from the laser beam or IPL device selectively destroys the abnormal veins. Over time the spider veins disappear.

When will I see results?

Facial vein treatment with light-based therapies may require several sessions and can take several weeks before the full effect of the treatment is realized. For instance, extensive finer vessels around the nose may require repeat treatment sessions, whereby larger bluish reticular veins under the eyes more commonly require a single session.

What is the recovery period like?

Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. After the laser therapy, the vessels underneath the skin will gradually disappear within a week in most cases. Once complete clearance is achieved, wearing sunscreen helps prevent the appearance of new veins. Most patients report a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure and relief at no longer having to conceal the unsightly veins.

Are there any safety concerns to IPL treatment?

Individuals with facial veins need to be evaluated prior to laser therapy treatment to avoid uneven skin coloration, which may happen especially in people with darker skin tones. Laser therapy of reticular veins around the eyes can be safely performed as long as the laser beam can be restricted to a safe zone outside of the eye socket.

What are the side effects?

Side effects of laser treatment of facial veins can include a minor pinching pain during the procedure; temporary purpura, or purple pigmentation of the skin similar to bruising; and darkened skin. Fortunately, compared to other areas of the body, the healing process of the facial skin is much faster. Purpura typically resolves in a matter of days, occasional pigmentation or scars heal in a short time, and darkened skin can often be successfully treated with a bleaching cream. IPL spider vein treatment is gentler than laser treatment, and accordingly the side effects mentioned above are less common.